Hexamethonium
Risk Factor: C
Class: CARDIOVASCULAR DRUGS
/ Antihypertensives
/ Other Antihypertensives
Contents of this page:
Fetal Risk Summary
Breast Feeding Summary
References
Questions and Answers
Fetal Risk Summary
No reports linking the use of hexamethonium with congenital defects have been located. Hexamethonium crosses the placenta and accumulates in the amniotic fluid. The drug has been used in the treatment of preeclampsia and essential hypertension. Its use in these conditions is no longer recommended. Three cases of paralytic ileus and one case of delayed passage of meconium have been reported (1,2).
Breast Feeding Summary
No data are available.
References
- Morris N. Hexamethonium in the treatment of pre-eclampsia and essential hypertension during pregnancy. Lancet 1953;1:3224.
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Hallum JL, Hatchuel WLF. Congenital paralytic ileus in a premature baby as a complication of hexamethonium bromide therapy for toxemia of pregnancy. Arch Dis Child 1954;29:3546.
Questions and Answers
What are the effects of hexamethonium?, Hexamethonium is a drug. I just wanted to know what it's effects are. Thanks
It can act on receptors at pre-ganglionic sites in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system, which are both regulated (again, only pre-ganglionically) by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Postganglionic sympathetic systems are usually regulated by norepinephrine or adrenaline (adrenergic receptors), while parasympathetic systems are still acetylcholine based, but instead rely on muscarinic receptors (some post-ganglionic sympathetic neurons, such as those stimulating sweating, release acetylcholine).
The organ system and adverse effects of ganglion blockers are due to the fact that both the parasympathetic and sympathetic stimuli are blocked at the preganglionic sites. Side effects include combined sympatholytic (e.g. orthostatic hypotension and sexual dysfunction) and parasympatholytic effects (e.g. constipation, urinary retention, glaucoma, blurry vision, decreased lacrymal secretion, dry mouth (xerostomia) effects. It was formerly used to treat disorders of the peripheral nervous system, such as chronic hypertension, which is innervated only by the sympathetic nervous system. The non-specificity of this treatment led to discontinuing its use.
Where does hexamethonium come from?, Is it a naturally occuring chemical from some plant or fungus, or is it synthetic? Thanks
As far as I know, it is synthetic.
